FAQ:

What is Python for Good?

Python for Good is a new annual event based out of the Portland area where programmers from all over the globe get together over a long weekend to build projects that help our communities. Think hanging out in communal space for a weekend with a bunch of developers and designers to build something useful. Participants stay in on-site dorms; hacking and socializing takes place in communal areas. Join us just for the fun of giving back! Questions? Check out the FAQ below or drop us a note.

Why are ya’ll organizing Python for Good?

Lots of organizations need the sort of technical help we can provide but are unable to afford it. We want to be the do-gooders that volunteer to solve non-profit business/technical problems. Very little effort on our part can make a huge difference to a non-profit. We want to help!

What skill level do I need to be to attend?

All experience levels are welcome! We have a wide variety of skill
levels ranging from those who have next to no experience, all the way up to very
senior people who work at places like Github and LivingSocial. The event is as
much about learning as it is about building great things. Groups are very
collaborative and you’ll definitely have the opportunity to work closely with
others on a variety of tasks.

Do I need to be a programmer?

We primarily need people with at least some programming experience, but we also need designers! If you have UX, UI, or graphic design experience we’d love for you to attend.

Do I need to be a Python programmer?

You don’t HAVE to be a Python programmer but it does help. We’re more than happy
to welcome programmers of other languages, especially if you’re interested in
learning some Python. We especially would love to have people with Javascript
experience attend.

How do you choose projects?

A lot of cold-calling/emailing individuals and organizations, soliciting
suggestions from people we know, and from YOU in the community. We go through a
process of vetting possible projects and select based on viability of
completion, need, open-source status, and general impact on business functions.

What’s an appropriate project?

Good projects can be completed in about a weekend, help improve the efficiency
of a non-profit, and are open-source so we can help give back to the community.
Have the beginnings of an idea? Suggest a project!

How do I suggest a project?

What ARE the projects this year?

This year projects are focused around womens issues and families and we have some great organizations lined up! We’ll announce project details, including available teams to join, around the beginning of July after registration closes.

I want to lead a team. What do I do?

During registration we’ll ask if you’d like to lead a team - say yes! We’ll be
in touch in early July with potential projects. We’ll brief you on
expectations and put you in touch with your non-profit so you can work with them
in advance of the event to set up project requirements, milestones and initial
set up so you can hit the ground running with your team at Python for Good. Setup
includes creating a github repo under the Python for Good github, filing issues
and making some technology
suggestions. You can read about the team lead process here.

I don’t know if I want to lead a team. What do I do?

In general, leading a team entails connecting with stakeholders, initial architecting, planning out project milestones, and keeping your team moving forward. Here’s more information about leading a team from Brandon Rice, a team lead in 2015 (who was SUPER awesome. Just sayin’.). Still not sure and want to talk about it with an organizer? Drop us a note.

Do you allow remote teams at Python for Good?

Unfortunately we’re unable to accomodate remote teams this time around. We’d be open to discussing that as an option in 2018 for very enterprising and motivated individuals. Drop us a note.

How can I help?!

Suggest a project - We always need worthy projects! We’ve compiled a google doc to help you figure out a project. Suggest a project!

Lead a team - a great way to up your skills, especially if you’ve been programming for a while and are eager for the experience of leading a team.

Donations/Sponsors - we need lots of help with fundraising. Python for Good is expensive and we’d like to offer tickets to the wonderful folks who volunteer for as little as possible. This is only possible with donations and sponsors! Reach out to your employers to see if they would be willing to help us give back to our community. :)

Attendees - we need Python, Javscript, and designer expertise!

Is this a hackathon?

No. This is definitely not a hackathon. Sean cringes everytime someone mentions ‘hackathon’ and ‘Python for Good’ in the same sentence. (Try it.)

When do I need to purchase my tickets?

By July 12th if you want to guarantee yourself a conference shirt or when we sell out, whichever comes first!

Oops, I bought my ticket and now I can’t go. Will you please refund/transfer?

After June 28th we will be unable to offer refunds but we will happily help coordinate exchanges until May 1st. Drop us a note.

What does my registration go toward?

The event costs money to put on. We try to raise as much as possible through sponsorships and donations but so far this amount has been unable to cover the cost of venue, food, shirts, transportation, and other minutia. By charging a little, we’re able to break even for the event.

When do tickets go on sale?

Do I really HAVE to get there by 5pm on Thursday?

Yeah, you really do. Teams will be chosen right around that time and you’ll spend dinner meeting with your team, chatting about your projects, and getting your environments aligned. We’ve found the event is most successful, with the most buy-in, when teams are a cohesive bunch from the beginning.

How early can I arrive on Thursday?

Most of the organizing team is planning on arriving at 10am but feel free to beat us there!

How does food work?

Teams will be provided with ingredients (protein, starch, and veg) and be
cooking communal meals. If we can get the right level of funding, we’ll be
providing cooked dishes for some or all meals, but expect to be mildly roughing
it. We will ensure no one goes hungry!

I’m a vegetarian/dairy-free/vegan/gluten-free/paleo/allergic to… will you feed me?

Absolutely.

Do you have scholarships?

We have a limited number of scholarship tickets but are unable to provide transportation funds. Criteria for selection includes the ability to get to the Portland area on your own, a documented financial need, and a short essay. Apply for a scholarship here.

What do I need to bring?

Bring yourself, your laptop, a powersource, some clothes and your favorite
boardgames. If you anticipate skipping group meals, bring some munchies. If
you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. All the basics are provided (linens,
pillows, beds, towels, etc.) We have a fun outdoor activity planned for one
evening so camping chairs, a sweater and maybe some bug spray are highly
recommended.

How do I get there?

Hop into the #carpool channel in slack for more info!

How do I indicate I want to room with my friend/significant other?

During registration we ask if there’s anything else you’d like us to know - indicate in this section who you’d like to room with and we’ll make it happen.

How do room assignments work?

Rooms contain two single beds and a bathroom. After registration closes (July 10), we will create random, same-gender room assignments (unless specifically requested otherwise via the registration form). We are tentatively planning to introduce you and your roomie via email so you know who you’re staying with ahead of time. If you’ve neglected to indicate your roommate preference in the registration form, please drop us a note.

Do you have a code of conduct?

How is 2018 different from 2017?

We’re going to be building on the great work we did in 2017 as well as starting some excellent new projects. We loved the communal cooking and food in 2017 but we may get our food in 2018 from Reed college.